Turkey approves motion for military intervention in Syria

After responding to a fatal cross-border mortar attack by striking Syrian targets, the Turkish parliament approved a government motion to authorise further military operations beyond Turkey’s borders.

A motion sanctioning military intervention into Syria was easily passed in parliament following the deaths of five Turkish citizens on Wednesday at the hands of Syrian artillery fire.

The one-year measure is not being considered a declaration of war, but Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said that it was intended to serve as a deterrent against aggressive action by Syria.

The Turkish army retaliated with fire on Syrian army positions following deadly cross-border mortars despite Syria taking responsibility and formally apologising for the five deaths.

Syria also reassured the United Nations that such incidents will not occur again.